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Curator Dr Sarah Laurenson with objects from the collection of National Museums Scotland to be studied as part of new Gaelic language project, Tha Sgeul Ri Innse [credit Duncan McGlynn]-9

New research project to reveal Gaelic stories behind museum objects

Powder horns from the 17th to 19th century, a road sign from Skye and a handmade crogan, or earthenware pot, are among 100 objects to be reappraised in a new project which aims to reveal the Gaelic stories and connections behind material held in the National Collection.

Curator Dr Sarah Laurenson with objects from the collection of National Museums Scotland to be studied as part of new Gaelic language project, Tha Sgeul Ri Innse [credit Duncan McGlynn]-9

Pròiseact rannsachaidh ùr gus na sgeulachdan Gàidhlig air cùl stuthan taigh-tasgaidh a shealltainn

 Tha adhaircean pùdair bhon 17mh chun 19mh linn, soidhne-rathaid às an Eilean Sgitheanach agus crogan crèadha am measg 100 rud a thèid ath-mheasadh ann am pròiseact ùr a tha ag amas air na sgeulachdan agus na ceanglaichean Gàidhlig air cùl stuth a tha sa Chruinneachadh Nàiseanta fhoillseachadh.

Runic inscriptions on the Galloway Hoard © National Museums Scotland

New runic translation reveals community ownership of the Galloway Hoard

On the eve of its unveiling in Adelaide on the first leg of an international tour, the first translation of a runic inscription on an arm ring from the Viking-age Galloway Hoard has cast fascinating new light on who might have owned the famous treasure. 

The Galloway Hoard. Image (c) National Museums Scotland

Galloway Hoard to begin international tour

An exhibition of The Galloway Hoard, the richest find of rare and unique Viking-age objects ever made in Britain or Ireland, will open early next year in Adelaide, as the first leg of an international tour. Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard will be on show at the South Australian Museum from 8 February to 27 July 2025.

Dr Alice Blackwell with some of the Lewis chess pieces. Copyright Stewart Attwood (11)

Redisplay of the Lewis chess pieces allows them to be seen in full for the first time

Press images can be downloaded here

The iconic Lewis chess pieces can now be viewed from a very different angle thanks to a new display at the National Museum of Scotland. Among the best-known objects in Scotland’s most popular visitor attraction, ten of the medieval gaming pieces have been redisplayed in a new case which allows visitors to view their backs for the first time. 

07. A bronze rattle pendant from the Peebles Hoard. Web version. Image © National Museums Scotland

Unique Bronze Age Hoard acquired for the nation

One of the most significant hoards ever found in Scotland has been saved for the nation, having been acquired by National Museums Scotland. The Bronze Age Peebles Hoard was discovered in the Scottish Borders by a metal detectorist in 2020. It has since been painstakingly excavated, analysed and catalogued, revealing dozens of rare objects for the first time. Efforts are now underway to secure funding for the continued research and conservation of the hoard and to uncover the secrets of this one-of-a-kind discovery. 

Dr Fraser Hunter installs the Roman arm guard in the Early People gallery at the National Museum of Scoltand. Image copyright Duncan McGlynn (11)

Rare Roman armour goes on permanent display at the National Museum of Scotland

An exceptionally rare piece of Roman armour which was recently reconstructed from dozens of fragments has gone on display in its entirety for the first time in Scotland.

The lidded vessel from the Galloway Hoard. Image © National Museums Scotland only added width

Distant origin of star object from the Galloway Hoard revealed ahead of its first public display

On the 10th anniversary of its discovery, new research and conservation has revealed the West Asian origin of the lidded vessel which contained many of the unique treasures that comprise the Viking-age Galloway Hoard, and which will go on public display for the first time later this month. 

Curators and conservators install a 4000-year-old Bronze Age necklace at The McManus in Dundee. Photo (c) Alan Richardson (1)

Bronze Age jewellery restored for the first time in thousands of years

An early Bronze Age necklace and bracelet have been painstakingly restored by experts at National Museums Scotland. The jewellery will be seen in its original form for the first time in over 4000 years when it goes on display at The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum this September, to coincide with Scottish Archaeology Month.  

Conservator Diana de Bellaigue removes tarnish from the Mary, Queen of Scots casket. Copyright Duncan McGlynn (5)

Casket believed to have belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots to go on tour

A silver casket believed to have been owned by Mary, Queen of Scots and which was acquired by National Museums Scotland in 2022 has undergone fresh conservation work ahead of going on tour to Kirkcudbright and Stirling.  

WEB Conservator Bethan Bryan with the Roman arm guard. Photo (c) Duncan McGlynn (8)

Ancient jigsaw puzzle is solved as rare Roman armour is reconstructed ahead of major exhibition

An exceptionally rare piece of Roman armour from National Museums Scotland’s collection has been painstakingly reconstructed from dozens of fragments. Dating from the middle of the second century, the brass arm guard will be seen in its entirety for the first time in almost 2000 years when it goes on loan to the British Museum for the major exhibition Legion: life in the Roman army next month.

National Museums Scotland 004

5000-year-old tomb discovered in Orkney

Archaeologists have discovered the ruins of an incredibly rare 5000-year-old Neolithic tomb that was largely destroyed without record in the 19th century.